US History

Thesis Writing 101

Do’s and Don’ts of thesis writing

A thesis is a claim that can be support/argued through specific evidence with explanation. The
thesis/claim statement should be written in the introduction paragraph of an essay.

DO NOT do the following:

-Things, many, ways, stuff, like, I think, probably, a lot = all are bad writing words.

-Restate the writing prompt. You are being asked to make a claim.

-Use any quotes of any kind in a thesis statement

DO the following:

-Answer the prompt

-Make a claim that can be proved – so no opinions! Yes, chocolate chip cookies are amazing, but how
can I prove my claim?

-Use “while” or “although” to begin your claim.

-Be willing to make an argument!

Examples of thesis statements:

Bad: George Washington set many important precedents as president. This is a fact not a position.

Good: The precedents that Washington set as America’s first president greatly benefited the
American political system. This is a clear position that can be supported or opposed.

Weak: The Revolutionary War brought about change in American society. This is technically a
position but it is vague and not really debatable.

Strong: The Revolutionary War ushered in a slew of wide-ranging and permanent social changes
in American society. This is a clear, strong, and debatable thesis.

Prompt: Do you think the United States was justified for joining W.W. II?